Sensation seeking is defined as ‘the general need for adventure and excitement, the preference for unforeseeable situations and friends, and the willingness to take risks simply for the experience of living them’.

Both traits are considered risk factors for lifetime.

Male binge drinkers are more likely to have impulsivity and sensation seeking traits than women, the study notes.

Whereas for female binge drinkers, neuroticism was a strong link.

The team note: ‘A higher neuroticism-anxiety has been observed in binge drinkers, although this is a consequence of the results from women.

‘High levels of neuroticism also explain the negative consequences of alcohol consumption in both sexes.’